Today I examine the Greek word for "good repute" which is εὔφημος (eúphēmos).
It means that something or someone has a good reputation, they are well–spoken of, of literally a "good report", praiseworthy, laudable and/or well acclaimed (Zodhiates, 2000).
Like with the Greek word for lovely which is προσφιλής (prosphilḗs), this Greek Word only appears once in the New Testament, right here in Phil. 4:8 by the Apostle Paul. I also found it interesting that Paul took the word for 'good' (eú) and combined it or compounded it with the word for 'rumor' (or better in this case 'fame') which is phḗmē (Zodhiates, 2000). It is not often that you ever hear of a "good rumor" but in this case it is having good PR spread about someone. They have a good report or good fame known about them. these types of people do everything they can with integrity and attempt to do everything correct and their record speaks for it.
Think thoughts that are good. Dwell on things that are of good repute. Focus on the positives and blessings in life. Find people in your life that have a commendable reputation. Feed on their knowledge and model how they live.Try to live with a good reputation. This person is honorable. When you think of this kind of person, you think of only good things, there is nothing bad to take away from the good (Loh & Nida, 1995). This person is not likely going to easily or intentionally offend other people. If we take nothing else from the overall theme, we have to continue to see that this fits in with all of these characteristics Paul is challenging believers to be, which is upright and blameless. That is a noble challenge. But the calling continues.
References:
Loh, I., & Nida, E. A. (1995). A handbook on Paul’s letter to the Philippians. UBS Handbook Series (134). New York: United Bible Societies.
Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
